Swiss luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has announced it will commemorate its 270th anniversary with the release of a stainless steel version of its iconic 222 timepiece, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration that pays tribute to the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation.
The launch, which comes as the luxury watch industry continues to see strong demand for steel sports watches, represents a strategic move by the Geneva-based manufacturer to connect its rich heritage with contemporary market preferences.
“The 222 is a legendary timepiece and is greatly appreciated by collectors – not least because its initial production run in the late 1970s was very limited,” said Alexandra Vogler, Vacheron Constantin’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The Jumbo version in stainless steel is the next logical step.”
TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS
The new Historiques 222 features several technical improvements while maintaining the distinctive design elements of the 1977 original. The 37mm stainless steel case houses the in-house Calibre 2455/2 movement, which, despite being slightly smaller than its predecessor, maintains an impressive thinness of just 3.6mm.
Notable upgrades include a redesigned bracelet with concealed pins and improved ergonomics, secured by a triple-blade clasp. The timepiece features a blue dial, with the date window repositioned towards the centre to avoid encroaching on the minutes track.
While retaining the distinctive design of the original, the 2025 re-edition in stainless steel is contemporary and embodies the Maison’s core values with sophisticated refinement, a sense of casual ease and uncompromising commitment to excellence.
“By kicking off its 270th anniversary with this iconic timepiece – one that is vintage yet resolutely contemporary – the Maison is weaving past and present together,” Volger said.
HERITAGE AND INNOVATION
Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin, emphasised the significance of such milestone celebrations. “Since the turn of the century, Vacheron Constantin has taken each decade anniversary as an opportunity to talk about its history and the values handed down through the centuries.”
The company’s journey began in 1755 when Jean-Marc Vacheron signed his watchmaking apprenticeship contract. The partnership with François Constantin in 1819 established the motto that still guides the manufacturer: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”
Throughout the year, Vacheron Constantin plans to unveil additional celebratory timepieces. The anniversary program will also include collaborations with French musician and artistic director Woodkid, who has composed music dedicated to the maison’s 270-year quest for excellence.
“This 270th anniversary will bring its share of horological ‘surprises’ and expressions of watchmaking expertise,” Vogler revealed. “These will undoubtedly be worthy of standing alongside previous anniversary models.”
The company’s approach to watchmaking – balancing technical mastery with artistic sensitivity – has resulted in numerous groundbreaking timepieces. Recent examples include the Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon, created in 2023 for the dashboard of the bespoke Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail.
“Tracing Vacheron Constantin’s past involves looking back at a large swathe of watchmaking history,” noted Selmoni. “Our archives are extremely rich, with a multitude of written and photographic documents that testify to all the details of the Manufacture’s production over the centuries.”
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The new Historiques 222 (Reference 4200H/222A-B934) features:
- Stainless steel case with 37mm diameter and 7.95mm thickness
- Blue dial with Super-LumiNova®-coated hands and hour markers
- Water resistance tested at 5 bar (approximately 50 metres)
- 18K yellow gold Maltese cross emblem at 5 o’clock
- Transparent sapphire crystal case back
- 40-hour power reserve
The timepiece will be available exclusively through Vacheron Constantin boutiques, though pricing details have not yet been disclosed.